Tag: maintain

Person's hands inspecting a clean air filter and housing for HVAC maintenance by Air Works Heating & Air.

Don’t Forget to Maintain the Heater

It’s Still Not Too Late for Heater Maintenance 

Heaters work hard year after year to keep the home warm. Like any other equipment, they must be maintained properly to keep them operating reliably and efficiently. Most often, professionals recommend heater maintenance in the fall before the heater sees heavy use. It allows for easier scheduling and repairs without interrupting service. However, even if heater maintenance was neglected in the fall, it is not too late to schedule maintenance and benefit from it. This post will discuss heating maintenance and its advantages. 

Benefits of Maintaining the Heater

Mother and daughter smiling while depositing coins into a pink piggy bank, illustrating the importance of saving for home maintenance and efficiency costs.Spending a little money on the heater every year in the form of heater maintenance can reduce the cost of operating the heater during the winter. To start, a well-maintained heater is less likely to suffer from catastrophic problems that require high heater repair bills. Since experts have a chance to address small, potential problems every year, repair bills stay lower. Additionally, a well-maintained heater will use less gas and power to keep a home warm. A heater with routine maintenance performed yearly will have better efficiency and performance. When heating the home makes up a large portion of monthly utility bills, better efficiency becomes a huge tool for cost reduction. 

A system that receives routine attention will last longer and perform more safely. When heater maintenance is done, the system’s total amount of wear and tear is lower because parts stay lubricated and clean. Since fewer parts fail, the total damage is lower over the heater’s lifespan, allowing it to last much longer. In addition to lasting longer, the furnace will stay safer because of routine inspections and maintenance. 

What Does Heater Maintenance Entail?

Interior view of a gas heater showing wires, gas valves, and components, illustrating the importance of heater maintenance for efficiency and safety.Professional heater maintenance is a service that most heating contractors offer. Many will offer it as part of a membership or service agreement, while others call the service a heater tune-up, giving the owner the flexibility to schedule it when needed. Either way, the services are very similar. They will entail steps like: 

  • Cleaning the inside and outside of the machine
  • Burner cleaning and inspection
  • Testing of all safety mechanisms
  • Verification of delivery temperatures
  • Testing the thermostat
  • Cycling the heater and looking for potential problems 

How Often to Plan for Heating Maintenance 

Heater maintenance can be broken down into two parts. The first part is up to the homeowner. Furnace filters aren’t just to clean up the air in the home. Replacing them periodically is intended to keep contaminants in the air from getting inside the heater and causing issues and to avoid airflow problems that can cause inefficiency and higher heating costs. Homeowners should perform air filter replacement every three months for maximum protection. Changing them on the first day of each season is a good way to remember. 

Homeowners should also remember to schedule heater maintenance annually. So, twice per year, maintenance is recommended. Once for their air conditioner with AC maintenance and once for the heating system with heater maintenance performed by professionals. Remembering these valuable tasks can help homeowners enjoy reliable, comfortable heat with lower operating costs.  

About Air Works Heating & Air

Air Works Heating & Air offers heating maintenance as part of a membership. Memberships make scheduling easy and ensure timely service every year. Call today for heater repair or maintenance services in Franklinton, NC. 

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Air conditioning unit with diagnostic tools and hoses for HVAC service near a brick wall at Air Works Heating & Air.

The Best Ways To Maintain an Old Air Conditioner

Prolonging the AC Unit

Air conditioner maintenance is necessary for every type of unit regardless of when it was purchased, but if it is over 10 years old, it may need extra care. To extend the lifespan of an energy-efficient AC, there are a few handy tips for homeowners to follow. 

What Does It Mean To Be Energy Efficient?

Woman holding a teal wallet filled with cash, illustrating financial savings and budgeting in the context of energy efficiency and HVAC maintenance.Energy efficiency refers to how hard the HVAC system must work to produce cool air indoors. If an air conditioner is not efficient, this increases energy bills monthly. To save money while staying cool throughout the entire summer, an air conditioner must be maintained annually. 

An easy way for homeowners to extend the lifespan of an AC unit is to change the air filters. The standard time for air filter replacement is once every three months, but this does not factor in large households. A two-story house with multiple children or pets may require a new air filter every six weeks.

Air filters are designed to catch dust, pet dander, and pollen before circulating throughout the home. If the air filter is dirty, this leads to screen blockages. Air conditioners are powerful appliances, but when a clogged filter stands in the way of airflow, it cannot push particles out of the way. More energy is needed to produce the same amount of cool air.

When To Call a Professional

Air conditioners frequently need additional repairs as they continue to age. After a certain point, purchasing an air conditioning replacement may be less expensive. Before buying a brand-new unit, a professional can help evaluate the HVAC system.

Many HVAC technicians recommend spring maintenance. This is because old air conditioners are more likely to break during the summer when they must work their hardest to maintain room temperature. Maintenance in the spring allows technicians time to order parts if repairs are needed and will detect any damage that may have been caused earlier in the year. It also prevents homeowners from surprise break-downs during the year’s hottest months. 

To avoid paying extra air conditioner repair costs, homeowners are advised to call a professional before fixing the unit independently. Repairs usually require special equipment; if the job is poorly done, homeowners will have to spend more on repairs. Fixing the blower fan or ductwork can be dangerous without the proper knowledge necessary to use specialized tools. 

When Is AC Replacement Needed?

Air conditioning unit installed outside, surrounded by greenery, illustrating the importance of HVAC maintenance for extending lifespan and preventing breakdowns.Air conditioners last for different periods, depending on the type of unit. Window units have a lifespan of approximately seven years, whereas a well-maintained mini-split can last for 20. The typical HVAC unit is harder to pin down. Central AC systems experience the most damage in around ten years without annual maintenance. Spring maintenance greatly extends their lifespan and can add an extra five or ten years to the same AC system. 

Strange noises such as grinding or squealing may indicate that an air conditioner replacement is necessary, but a professional will examine the entire unit for clarity. In general, leaks and moisture are both signs of a serious problem. Homeowners should not ignore this issue for any length of time. In addition to AC repair services, technicians can give their own opinions about what will save homeowners the most money.  

About Air Works Heating & Air

Air Works Heating & Air provides air conditioning installation and maintenance. Call them today to learn more about their $25-off coupon for first-time customers in Franklinton, NC. 

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